Infinitives and Gerunds

Sometimes the use of a gerund or an infinitive can change the meaning of a sentence. This is the
reason why is important to understand the difference between gerund and infinitive. Gerunds
and infinitives are sometimes referred to as verb complements. They may function as subjects
or objects in a sentence. It can be tricky to remember which verbs are followed by the infinitive
(the to form) of the verb and which are followed by the gerund (the ing form) of the verb.

Remember to switch off the lights.

Do you remember switching off the lights?

Both sentences, even these use the same verb, has different meaning.

 Forget  Go on  Stop
 Remember  Regret  Try

GERUND
 A gerund is a noun made from a verb by adding "-ing."
 A gerund is a verb that functions as a noun that names an activity rather than a person or
thing. Any action verb can be made into a gerund.
 Gerunds are often used when actions are real, fixed, or completed. "I enjoy cooking."

Uses

Gerunds can appear at the beginning of a sentence when is used as a subject:

Jogging is a hobby of mine

Gerunds can act as an object following the verb

Daniel quit smoking a year ago

Gerunds can serve as an object after a preposition:

I look forward to helping you paint the house.

Some verbs and verb phrases are directly followed a gerund:

Paul avoids using chemicals on the vegetables he grows.

Verbs with Prepositions followed by Gerund

 I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon.

INFINITIVE
An infinitive is a verb form that acts as other parts of speech in a sentence. It is formed with to
+ base form of the verb. Ex: to buy, to work.

 Infinitives are the "to" form of the verb.

 Infinitives are often used when actions are unreal, abstract, or future: "He wants to swim."

Uses

After an adjective

The new computer is really easy to use.

Infinitive can be used as an object following the verb

Jim always forgets to eat

It can be used like a subject at the beginning of a sentence

To travel around the world requires a lot of time and money

It can be used like an adverb modifying a verb:

You promised to buy me a diamond ring

It can be used like an adjective modifying a noun:

Tara has the ability to succeed.

Some verbs are directly followed by an infinitive:

Do you want to call your family now?

Some verbs are directly followed by a noun or pronoun and then by an infinitive:

He advised me to sell all my shares of stock.

INFINITIVE OR GERUND WITH THE SAME MEANING
I started to read. / I started reading.

I advise you to go by bus. / I advise going by bus.